The Big Man, Clarence Clemons from the E Street Band is recovering from the after effects of a massive stroke he suffered on the weekend. He suffered the stroke while at his home in Florida.

Initially the effects of the stroke “did not look good at all,” according to a close friend. But now his prospects of a full recovery look a lot better… “Today… miracles are happening. His vital signs are improving. He’s responsive. His eyes are welling up when we’re talking to him. He was paralyzed on his left side, but now he’s squeezing with his left hand. This is the best news we’ve heard since [the stroke] happened — it’s nothing short of miraculous. The next five days will still be critical. But he’s a fighter.”

Clemons saxophone work was a large component of Bruce Springsteen songs Born to Run and Jungleland. Later he collaborated with artists such as Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Ensemble, Aretha Franklin and Jackson Browne. Recently, his sax appeared on Lady Gaga’s Born This Way album.